If you're in search of a quiet bedroom community, you might consider the compact village of East Williston, which is often described as old-fashioned and family-oriented.

"Everyone knows each other and watches out for each other," says Tom Schrafel of Coach Realtors of the Willistons. "Neighbors help one another -- it's that kind of community," echoes resident Sharon Sullivan-Piscopia of Laffey Fine Homes in Williston Park. "East Williston is a throwback in time," says Mayor David Tanner, citing well-attended community events such as holiday parades and gatherings at the village green.

Village Hall and the library were expanded about three years ago, Tanner says. Residents participate in programs that include storytime and Mommy and Me classes, adds Sullivan-Piscopia. Every village street was repaved a couple of years ago, says Tanner.

With about 870 households, the village's neighborhoods feature tree-lined streets and a mix of home styles and sizes, Sullivan-Piscopia says. "When you walk down a block in East Williston, you feel like you're in the country," says Jane Schrafel, also of Coach Realtors of the Willistons. Shops and restaurants are close enough -- opposite the East Williston train station, which is in Williston Park, Schrafel says. The market is active, Sullivan-Piscopia says.

SALES PRICES From Jan. 1, 2012, to Dec. 31, 2012, there were 25 sales, with a median price of $646,000, according to Multiple Listing Service of Long Island data. The low price was $490,000, and the high was $1,515,000. From Jan. 1, 2011, to Dec. 21, 2011, there were 26 sales. The median price was $709,750 with a low of $450,000 and a high of $1,420,000.

ATTRACTIONS A portion of the private 18-hole Wheatley Hills Golf Club is in the village; there are volunteer organizations to join; visit the village website to sample a list of annual events: eastwilliston.org.